Andrew Gui

About Me

My journey in engineering stems from a simple childhood fascination: how does a collection of metal and plastic have the capability to call a friend halfway around the world? This curiosity has given me the drive to aggressively attempt to jumpstart my career and pursue hands-on experience. Shown from the fact I'd graduated as a valedictorian in high school a year early, and secured competitive internships at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). Currently, I work as an Undergraduate Technical Intern - Electrical Engineer at PNNL, where I calibrate and test SensorFish devices, autonomous sensors that withstand brutal dam turbine forces while collecting precise fish passage data, analyze the collected data to characterize fish passage conditions, and perform precision soldering to create custom electrical connections between the autonomous devices and computer systems. I've also co-authored research on optimizing Large Language Model hardware using Logarithmic Number Systems, exploring how computational efficiency can be revolutionized through hardware-software integration. Now pursuing Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Washington, I'm focused on building the skills to create major impacts on every project I touch.

However, what sets me apart isn't just technical capability, it's my interdisciplinary mindset that innovation only happens when boundaries are broken and the impossible becomes possible in the real world. This philosophy extends far beyond STEM. Whether I'm finding the most energy-efficient combinations in boxing as part of UW's Boxing Team, developing the systematic approach that helped me lose 100 pounds in 8 months, I approach every challenge with creative problem-solving skills and unwavering determination. With that, engineering excites me because it's the art of making what seems impossible work under brutal, unforgiving conditions, and I understand that breakthrough results, whether in engineering or personal challenges, come from applying brains over brawn.

Research & STEM Journey

🔬 Current Research: SensorFish Technology at PNNL

Working as an Undergraduate Technical Intern - Electrical Engineering, I analyze autonomous SensorFish and Mini SensorFish data to characterize fish passage conditions through dams. This involves extensive field testing, calibration, and precision soldering to create custom electrical connections between the autonomous devices and computer systems. I also develop Python/Tkinter GUI applications for data analysis and visualization, while researching equipment upgrades to modernize legacy data acquisition systems—effectively bridging hands-on hardware integration with modern computational analysis platforms.

Python/Tkinter Data Analysis Hardware Testing HBET Precision Soldering Circuit Integration

💻 AI Hardware

Co-authored research optimizing Large Language Models through Logarithmic Number System (LNS) implementations. Conducted comparative performance analysis of LNS vs. Floating Point architectures, contributing to next-generation AI hardware design and computational efficiency breakthroughs.

LLMs Architecture Codesign Performance Optimization Machine Learning

Fitness Journey 🏋️

Through sheer will and determination, I transformed my health and fitness — here's the journey so far.

The Beginning

2023 - Where it all started, being at 300 lbs.

Building Momentum

2024 - Consistency paying off, seeing real changes and getting stronger

Current Status

2025 - Stronger than ever, fitness is now a lifestyle, not just a goal

Daily Grind

Every day is an opportunity to become better than yesterday

🥊 UW BOXING TEAM 🥊

Proud member of the University of Washington Boxing Team

Boxing isn't just about physical strength - it's about discipline, strategy, and mental toughness. These skills translate directly to my academic and professional life. Go Huskies! 💜💛

🥊 Boxing Training

Technical sparring, footwork drills, heavy bag work, and conditioning. Representing UW with pride!

💪 Strength Training

Powerlifting fundamentals mixed with hypertrophy work. Building functional strength that transfers to the ring.

🏃 Conditioning

High-intensity cardio, sprint work, and endurance training. Staying fight-ready year-round.

My Fitness Philosophy

Consistency, persistence, and constantly challenging yourself are the only ways to grow. The skills gained from training at the gym translate directly to playing sports, studying, working—really everything in life. It's okay to be scared, but it's not okay to stay scared. Every rep, every round, every challenge is an opportunity to prove that you're stronger than your excuses.

Work Experience

Undergraduate Technical Intern - Electrical Engineering | PNNL

June 2024 - Present (Part-time during school year)

Working with cutting-edge SensorFish technology, autonomous sensors that must survive extreme hydraulic forces while collecting critical fish passage data. My role spans the full engineering spectrum: precision soldering for reliable sensor-to-computer connections, executing rigorous calibration protocols to ensure measurement accuracy, assisting in building Python/Tkinter applications for data visualization, and analyzing the sensor data to characterize the harsh conditions fish experience (acceleration, pressure, rotation) in such dams. This position has taught me as well that impactful engineering requires both technical excellence and adaptability, especially when deploying systems in harsh conditions where reliability is non-negotiable.

Christmas Light Technician & Window Cleaner | Radiant LLC

November 2023 - February 2024 (4 months)

More than simply seasonal work, this role demanded creativity, project management, and leadership. I assisted and followed customers' custom design orders for holiday lighting installations, managing everything from initial concept to final implementation. On top of the lights themselves, I practiced strict adherence to safety protocols for elevated work, and training/mentoring new team members in both technical skills and customer interaction. The experience taught me valuable lessons about project management, client relations, and the importance of attention to detail.

High Performance Computing Intern | PNNL

June 2023 - August 2023 (3 months)

Selected for a competitive High Performance Computing internship, I conducted comparative analysis between LNS and traditional Floating Point architectures, exploring how next-generation AI systems could achieve dramatic efficiency gains. Through collaborative research, involving PyTorch implementations and dynamic data format exploration, I co-authored a conference paper published at MICRO 2024, one of the premier venues for computer architecture research. This internship showed me how innovative problem-solving can revolutionize AI capabilities, directly impacting systems like ChatGPT and other transformative technologies.

Crew Member | McDonald's

November 2022 - June 2023 (8 months)

In my first professional role, I learned the fundamentals of operational excellence and customer service. Handling high-volume orders during peak hours all while maintaining accuracy and positive customer interactions, including serving Spanish-speaking customers in their preferred language. I proactively took on training responsibilities, helping new employees develop the skills needed in fast-paced situations. This experience built my professional foundation: working under pressure, collaborating with diverse teams, and understanding that excellence comes from consistency and attention to detail, regardless of the task.